The phrase implies that attitude comes directly from the brain, and suggests that ones attitude controls and determines whether one feels young or old. This is simply wrong. Attitude comes from the body, the brain, and the environment. It is probably primarily induced and influenced most by ones state of health, and how one feels physically. Let us also not forget, that the mind is a part of the body.
A potential danger of a culture believing that feeling old is nothing more than a state of mind, is that those who feel old, are easily blamed for having a bad attitude.
Another danger is that “state of mind” is a red herring distracting our already distracted cultural attention from the dominant factor that regulates whether we feel young or old; that factor is health. When stiff, or sick, or tired, those of us over 30 are apt to say we feel old. Conversely, when pain-free, flexible, and energetic, we tell everyone that we feel like 18 again.
The adage that really tells the story is, “You are only as old as you feel.” That is, when your knees ache, you feel old. Keep in mind that attitude is not the most common cause of knee pain; poor health is.
To summarize; while attitude is important, your body is the main player that determines whether you feel young or old. So; exercise regularly; eat real, healthy food; cultivate close, loving relationships; and you’ll have a better chance of staying forever young.
Hey, Kris -- your blog reminded me of one of those clever sayings I saw in a shop in Salem, OR: "Happiness consists largely of good health and a poor memory"
ReplyDeleteI don't think their was any authorship attributed.
Mary,
ReplyDeleteLooks like the only thing I forgot was the poor memory! :)
Kris